Academic Scholarships for Survivors

During PAF's daily interactions with patients, PAF staff often interface with patients who either themselves or a loved one has experienced the impact of a chronic illness or life threatening disease on one's post secondary education.

In 2000, Founder, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Nancy Davenport-Ennis established the Scholarship for Survivors program to honor these individuals by offering educational scholarships to those who have suffered (or are suffering) a life threatening disease or chronic condition. These students have, despite their disease/condition, excelled academically, served the community, and desire to pursue a secondary education.

To date, PAF (along with other gracious funders) has awarded 55 scholarships totaling over $400,000; of the 55 students, 38 have achieved fully degreed graduation and 12 are still pursuing their course of study.

On behalf of Patient Advocate Foundation’s Board of Directors and Scholarship Review Committee, we thank you for your interest in our 2015-2016 Scholarship for Survivors program.

The purpose of our scholarship program is to provide support to individuals that are legal residents of the United States of America, under the age of 25, who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer and/or a chronic/life threatening disease within the past five years.

To download the 2015-2016 Scholarship for Survivors application, click here. All applications must be postmarked no later than February 27, 2015.

Scholarship Winners

To be eligible, an applicant must satisfy the below requirements in full:

Applicant must be a legal resident of the United States of America under the age of 25

Applicant must have been diagnosed with and/or been actively treated for a life threatening disease within the past 5 years.

Applicant must be pursuing an Associate's Degree as a bridge to a Bachelor's degree or higher.*Note: The applicant may be directly pursuing a Bachelor's degree without pursuing an Associate's Degree first.

Applicant must complete Scholarship for Survivors application in full (Part A-E)

Applicant must write an essay on how their diagnosis has impacted their lives and their future goals (1000 word maximum).

Applicant must submit written documentation from a treating physician that outlines applicants' medical history.

Applicant must provide two letters of recommendation from non-related persons (examples: teachers, coaches, community leaders). Reference letters must be submitted on business letterhead and include signatory’s contact information within the letter.

Applicant must provide an OFFICIAL high school and/or current college transcript (to include school seal); whichever is applicable.

Applicant must submit completed financial form (Part E)that will demonstrate financial need and include a copy of the first two pages of tax return.

For further information, contact Shawn Nason at events@patientadvocate.org or (757) 952-1370.

Scholarship Amount and Distribution

Award amount is $3,000

The award is payable in equal amounts (per semester/trimester/quarter) directly to the college or university for the purpose of defraying tuition, books and other fee costs.

If selected as a recipient, below are the requirements to maintain the scholarship:

Applicant must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA.

Applicant must be a full time student.

Scholarship recipient must sign a commitment letter in agreement to complete 20 hours of community service for each year the scholarship is awarded. Upon completion of service hours, written confirmation of service must be submitted to PAF from a supervisor of the supported organization.